King makes clear Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be working royals carrying out official engagements now they have returned to the UK, a letter sent on behalf of King Charles says.

The letter is intended to clarify the status of Prince Harry and Meghan, who moved back from California with children Archie and Lilibet last month.

They will still not be able to use the "HRH" titles of His and Her Royal Highness, and are "private citizens with commercial and charitable interests", the letter sent on behalf of the King by the Lord Chamberlain, a top Palace official, says.

It has been sent to Prince Harry's team and to the government, military and Lord Lieutenants, according to Palace sources.

Lord Lieutenants and government staff are involved in royal visits and engagements - and this letter makes clear that any engagements carried out by the Sussexes will be in a private capacity and not representing the Royal Family.

It seems to be something of a shot across the bows, making clear that any Prince Harry and Meghan visits should not be treated as royal engagements.

This comes ahead of what are likely to be public appearances by the Sussexes this autumn, as they settle in the UK and support their charities.

The message from the King emphasises that the position agreed in 2020 when the Sussexes left the UK - the so-called Sandringham Agreement - is still in place.

This ruled out any "half-in and half-out" status, so Harry and Meghan could not pursue their own commercial interests while continuing to be working royals.

"It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign, and are no longer working members of the Royal Family," the letter says.

The letter sent on behalf of the King makes it clear that this remains the case.

"The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity," it adds.

The King's message says that any questions from organisations about the reception to be given to the Sussexes, "particularly where recourse to public funds may be required, should be directed to Buckingham Palace".

There have been unresolved disputes about Prince Harry and Meghan's security in the UK and the letter spells out: "Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities."

Palace sources have suggested it was better to make the letter public, in a spirit of transparency, rather than risk it emerging in leaks.

Prince Harry and Meghan's representatives have been contacted for a response.

Sign up here to get the latest royal stories and analysis every week with our Royal Watch newsletter. Those outside the UK can sign up here.